Electing a new HOA Board of Directors is an annual event for community associations in Chandler, Arizona. Unfortunately, it’s also one that homeowners are not as familiar with as they should be. More than just casting a ballot, it’s important to understand the process to ensure its transparency and validity.

Some Important Questions

The first step in understanding your HOA’s annual election process is to ask the right questions. While the election process itself might be familiar, there’s a staggering amount of diversity in the steps needed to get the process underway. Take a look at a few of the most important specifics you should know regarding your HOA and its election process:

What is the quorum requirement?

How many are present voting vs. casting an absentee ballot?

Can you vote if you have outstanding fees?

What is the nomination process?

Knowing these things will give you more insight into the process of the ballot and help you identify areas that are critical to the process and terms of your annual election.

Vet the Candidates

Some HOAs have restrictions on who can run, how many times they can run, consecutive terms able to be served, etc. This is also critical to understand before thinking about casting your vote for specific Board Members in Chandler, AZ. Let’s go through some of the people you may or may not find on the ballot:

The incumbent is the current board member who is re-running for the position.

A challenger is anyone running against the incumbent with moderate support.

A write-in is someone not formally listed on the ballot who is eligible.

Getting to know your candidates is a good idea prior to the ballot. In most cases, nominations for the ballot will be introduced at an annual meeting where residents can ask questions or learn more about the candidates. Many candidates also have bios included with the ballots that are distributed to voters.

It’s also important to realize this leaves write-in candidates at a disadvantage, since their process is less formal and they’re frequently at the mercy of absentee ballots.

Casting a Conscious Vote

Like any election, your vote counts. This means it’s crucial not to ignore your ballot. Take the time to review candidates and make a decision about whomever you think is equipped to act in your best interests and the best interests of the community.

What happens if you’re unhappy with all of the candidates? In many cases, there is an option on the ballot that states “for quorum purposes only”. By selecting this option, your ballot will be counted towards the quorum requirement, which is the total percentage of persons needing to be present in person or by absentee ballot in order for the association to hold a legal membership meeting. By completing the ballot in this manner, your ballot will count towards the quorum requirment and allow the meeting to be held, but not obligate the homeowner member to vote for cadidates that may not best represent their vision for the community.

Once you understand your HOA’s election process, it becomes less intimidating and more beneficial. Take the time to ask the right questions and make an informed decision the next time you’re asked to cast a vote.